VOLUNTARY and community organisations (VCOs) may face closure if a new generation of volunteers does not come forward, the chief executive from Surrey Community Action has warned.

Jean Roberts-Jones said a majority of the sector was run by retired people and in five to 10 years’ time they could be seriously affected if younger volunteers did not get involved.

At present there are at least 3,000 VCOs in Surrey excluding around 1,000 football and 800 crickets clubs, which depend on help from volunteers.

“If younger people are not coming forward then there is a real danger that some of these groups may have to close.

“The voluntary sector is very good at supporting people to remain independent and improving their quality of life.

“Without their support there will be pressure on public services such as health and social services.”

A recent survey among the borough’s councils of voluntary service (CVS) found that there are nearly 1,400 vacancies in areas such as victim support, witness protection, health, and volunteering as a school governor.

Mrs Roberts-Jones said that helping others could give young people a real sense of achievement.

“It is fun and you meet new people. It is nice to help people and to support your community.

“In Surrey Community Action Roy and Phyllis Pike have been coming for over 20-years as support for our admin team. They enjoy feeling involved and meeting the rest of the group once a week.

“There is such a variety of vacancies that almost everybody would be able to find something that fits their time commitments. I volunteer and I work full-time. A lot of my volunteering is done at home via e-mails to fit in with my life.”

As well as helping others volunteering could also advance your own skills. “Some people use becoming a committee member as a means of improving their management skills,” she said.

Mrs Roberts-Jones explained why she thought there was a decline in the number of people coming forward.

“I think it is a lack of information and knowing where to go and thinking that you have to make a big commitment.

“Sometimes a couple of hours a month is absolutely fine and greatly appreciated and this could make a real difference.”

Surrey Community Action, based in Burpham, provides advice, training, funding and advocacy to help the voluntary sector. For more information on how to volunteer call 01483 566072 or visit www.surreyca.org.uk